Sarah's Renting Tipshttp://ulysseshills.com/index.xml
Recent content on Sarah's Renting TipsHugo -- gohugo.ioenWed, 22 May 2019 22:58:21 +0000Features To Examine In The Yard When Shopping For A Househttp://ulysseshills.com/2019/05/22/features-to-examine-in-the-yard-when-shopping-for-a-house/
Wed, 22 May 2019 22:58:21 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2019/05/22/features-to-examine-in-the-yard-when-shopping-for-a-house/<p>While it is always important to fully examine the inside of a home when shopping for one to buy, it is also important to examine the yard too. There are a lot of important features of yards you should evaluate when shopping for a house, and here are some of the features of yards that you should pay attention to.</p>
<p><strong>Water drainage</strong></p>
<p>The first feature to look at is the setup of the yard to see if there are any water drainage issues. Do you see standing water in the yard? Are there low spots in the yard? Does the yard seem to have a slope that is going away from the house? These are all good questions to ask as you examine the yard of a house you like.</p>
<p><strong>Amount of work</strong></p>
<p>The second thing to look at is the amount of work the yard will require to prepare it and maintain it. Is the yard fully landscaped and ready to go, or does it need some work? Additionally, how much time will it require to maintain this yard if you purchased this house, and are you prepared to spend this much time handling the maintenance tasks?</p>
<p><strong>Size</strong></p>
<p>You should also take note of the size of the yard. Does it offer the space you need, or does it have too much space? If you have a lot of kids or dogs and need space, you would need to make sure the yard space a home offers will be sufficient for your needs.</p>
<p><strong>Fence</strong></p>
<p>If you have kids or dogs, you might want a house that has a fenced in backyard. Therefore, you should see if the yard has this or not. If it does not, you may want to find out if you can put up a fence in the yard if you bought this house, and you would have to read over the covenants of the neighborhood to find this out.</p>
<p><strong>Neighbors</strong></p>
<p>Finally, you should spend some time outside of a home you are interested in to see what types of neighbors there are and how they may affect your life if you live there. Loud neighbors can be distracting to live by, and messy neighbors can be annoying, and this is why it is important to analyzes the neighbors of a house you might want to buy before you put in an offer.</p>
<p>If you would like to view homes for sale and need help with this, you can begin your journey by contacting a local <a href="https://www.thgre.com/featured-searches/haddon-township/" target="_blank">real estate</a> agent.</p>
Important Information To Know About Low-Income Apartmentshttp://ulysseshills.com/2018/10/17/important-information-to-know-about-low-income-apartments/
Wed, 17 Oct 2018 12:10:28 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2018/10/17/important-information-to-know-about-low-income-apartments/<p>There are many people who find that they can't afford to make ends meet while also paying rising rent prices, especially in larger urban cities where rent prices can be extremely high. Luckily, there are solutions in place to help people who cannot afford to pay market rate for rent each month. There are several programs available, and they are often referred to as affordable housing programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>These programs are supported by the government and allow those who qualify to live in <a href="https://www.rcpmco.com/low-income-apartments">low-income apartments</a> for free or for a fraction of the market rental rate. Continue reading to learn more about qualifying for an affordable housing program.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Make an Appointment for Housing Counseling</strong></p>
<p>Affordable housing programs in the United States are overseen by the <a href="https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm" rel="nofollow">U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development</a>&nbsp;(HUD). HUD offers housing counseling in their field offices all over the country, and these counseling services can help a person with a lower income learn more about the different programs in place, while also providing valuable advice about the process of renting an apartment. Making an appointment for housing counseling at your local HUD office is one of the best things that you can do if you're interested in securing a low-income apartment.</p>
<p><strong>Understand the Options</strong></p>
<p>Most cities and urban areas have a variety of different low-income apartment rentals available. While all of the affordable housing options are designed to help lower-income tenants, the way the programs are run differ. Some of your options for a low-income apartment include:</p>
<p><em>Privately Owned-</em><strong>&nbsp;</strong>There are a number of privately owned apartment complexes that participate in affordable housing programs. In this type of situation, the government provides a subsidy to the owner of the apartment complex, so he or she is able to offer a rental rate that is substantially below market value to applicants who qualify for the program.</p>
<p><em>State Owned-</em><strong>&nbsp;</strong>In addition to privately owned apartment complexes that participate in affordable housing programs, there are many apartments that are owned by the government and are used to house those who need assistance and can't afford market rent. Just like living in a privately-owned affordable housing unit, you must qualify to live in a state-owned one.</p>
<p><em>Vouchers-</em><strong> </strong>In some states, those who qualify for the affordable housing program are given more freedom of choice through a voucher program. The way this type of program works is by issuing vouchers of a set amount for qualified candidates. The person can then choose to rent an apartment wherever they like, and the voucher can cover a majority or even all of the total rent each month.&nbsp;</p>
Extra Amenities You May Want To Consider When Home Shoppinghttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/27/extra-amenities-you-may-want-to-consider-when-home-shopping/
Fri, 27 Oct 2017 15:39:35 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/27/extra-amenities-you-may-want-to-consider-when-home-shopping/<p>While you may imagine yourself walking into a <a href="http://wesellgranbury.com/granbury.php" target="_blank">home</a> and being swept off your feet and knowing it is the right one for you, there may be some things you are overlooking in all those emotions that can ultimately help you enjoy a house much more once you are living in it. While you do want the house to look and feel right and be in a location you prefer, you should also think about other things that can make your life a lot easier and the home more comfortable and accommodating. If a home is lacking some of these things, you may want to see what else is out there. You might find another you like just as much that offers you more amenities that can make all the difference to your living environment.</p>
<p><strong>Central heating and air conditioning can be a wonderful thing</strong></p>
<p>If you live where it tends to get quite hot in the summer or pretty cold in the winter, then buying a home that has central heating and air conditioning can be fantastic. It will make it much easier for you to regulate the temperature throughout the entire home without your energy bills costing you an obscene amount of money.</p>
<p><strong>You may want RV parking on the property</strong></p>
<p>If you tend to have family visit who like to show up in their RV and stay out there at certain times of the day and/or night, then buying a place with RV parking can be a great thing. It will allow them to show up, hook up and visit you while also enjoying the comfort of their own place right outside your home. It can also be beneficial to you too, because it allows you to visit with them, yet not have them underfoot 24/7 and this can especially be helpful if they like to visit for good lengths of time.</p>
<p><strong>A boat deep garage may be right if you have a boat</strong></p>
<p>If you have a boat, you may want to add a boat deep garage to your list of preferred amenities if you live in a boating community. IN this type of community, they shouldn't be too hard to find and they give you the perfect place to park your boat where you know that it will be protected when not in use. Otherwise, you may find it getting damaged from almost constant sunlight, stray cats, and more.</p>
Working With A Real Estate Agent When Shopping For A Homehttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/19/working-with-a-real-estate-agent-when-shopping-for-a-home/
Thu, 19 Oct 2017 15:50:44 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/19/working-with-a-real-estate-agent-when-shopping-for-a-home/<p>When you are shopping for a home it's important for you to take all the necessary steps to be sure you get in the right home, within your needed timeframe and for the amount that you qualify for and can afford. One of the things you can do to help make all these things happen is to work with a real estate agent instead of trying to buy a home on your own. Here are some things to remember during the process –</p>
<p>Be prepared when you go to meet with your new <a href="http://www.moving2greenbay.com/" target="_blank">real estate agent</a></p>
<p>Just because you know you want to buy a home doesn't mean you are ready to start the process. There is a lot of forethought to go through and decisions that need to be made before you are at the point of meeting with an agent. This way, when you do meet with them, you know you will be able to tell them important information, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>What type of house you want</li>
<li>The age of the house that you want</li>
<li>What areas you like</li>
<li>What the home must have</li>
<li>What you would like the home to offer</li>
<li>What you don't want.</li>
</ul>
<p>Armed with this information, the agent will have a much better idea of what homes to search for and present to you. You may even want to already be pre-approved by a lender prior to meeting with the agent. This lets them know what price range to keep you in.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to help your agent out</p>
<p>While your agent will have their ear to the ground, looking for new listings that may work for you, they can't be everywhere. So, if you really want to increase your odds of finding a place quickly, then you may want to help them out by doing some looking yourself. To find potential homes you can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tell your family and friends what you are looking for</li>
<li>Post on your social media account</li>
<li>Look through the paper</li>
<li>Look online groups where people post their homes</li>
<li>Watch for signs when driving through neighborhoods</li>
</ul>
<p>An important piece of advice to remember when you are working with an agent is to give your agent the information on any homes you happen to find out about on your own. You want to let them make the calls to the agent themselves and you will go through them to see the home, make an offer on the home, take care of paperwork and to do everything else related to a home you are interested in.</p>
Pros And Cons Of Fixing Up An Inherited Home Before Putting It On The Markethttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/15/pros-and-cons-of-fixing-up-an-inherited-home-before-putting-it-on-the-market/
Sun, 15 Oct 2017 14:30:23 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/15/pros-and-cons-of-fixing-up-an-inherited-home-before-putting-it-on-the-market/<p>When you list a house for sale, it won't always be the one that you're currently living in or have recently lived in. Sometimes, you'll find yourself looking after the sale of the home of a recently deceased family member. Perhaps the family member left the home to you in his or her will or asked that it be sold with the profits divided among you and your siblings. Whatever the case, you'll likely want the home to sell quickly. Depending on the current condition of the dwelling, you may be considering fixing up the house before listing it. Here are some pros and cons of doing so:</p>
<p><strong>Pro: You Should Get More Money</strong></p>
<p>Arguably, the biggest reason to fix up a house before selling it is that it should sell for more money. Whether you get to keep the proceeds of the sale yourself or you're splitting the money with your siblings, you obviously want to sell for as much money as possible. The right renovations, whether it's modernizing the kitchen, putting new windows in, or painting the entire residence inside and out, can all equate to a heftier sale price.</p>
<p><strong>Con: Renovations Delay The Sale</strong></p>
<p>Sometimes, you'll just want to sell the residence as quickly as possible. Perhaps you need the money or maybe you just want to move through this process rapidly because it's emotionally taxing to think about the house that your parents lived in for decades, for example. One drawback to fixing up the house is that doing so takes time. Depending on the work that you want to be done, you could be looking at several months of renovations until you're ready to list the price. This delay in selling the house can be unfavorable to some people.</p>
<p><strong>Pro: It Could Likely Sell Quicker</strong></p>
<p>While there are lots of buyers out there who are seeking as-is properties to buy and fix up themselves, more people want a house that needs minimal work. A newly fixed up residence stands a better chance of selling quickly than one that needs a lot of work. Even though it will take some time to complete the renovations, you could be looking at the house being on the market for a very short time after you've fixed it up.</p>
<p><strong>Con: Fixing The House Up Is Time-Consuming</strong></p>
<p>Whether you plan to fix the house up yourself or hire contractors for the work, you'll have a significant time investment on your hands. Even if you're not physically doing the labor, the process of getting quotes from contractors, arranging the projects in a sequential order, and overseeing the progress of everything can eat up your available time. If you're already busy, this route might not be the best thing for you.</p>
<p>Contact an agent to help you find&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myhomesincarolina.com/featured-searches/single-family/" target="_blank">single family homes for sale</a> in your area.&nbsp;</p>
3 Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Luxury Homehttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/09/3-reasons-to-consider-purchasing-a-luxury-home/
Mon, 09 Oct 2017 15:52:14 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/09/3-reasons-to-consider-purchasing-a-luxury-home/<p>A luxury home can often be a great investment for just about any family, mostly due to the many amenities and features that they can incorporate that regular homes really can't match. Listed below are three reasons to consider purchasing a <a href="http://www.luxuryflagstaff.com" target="_blank">luxury home for sale.</a></p>
<p><strong>They Can Incorporate Home Automation</strong></p>
<p>A major reason to consider purchasing a luxury home is that many luxury homes are starting to incorporate home automation, which is a fantastic feature to have in your home as it can make it much more convenient to manage multiple features throughout your home. For example, home automation can often be used to manage or control the lights and HVAC systems within your home from a remote location, which is a great way to reduce the amount of energy that you waste as you will be able to turn off those lights and the HVAC system when no one is home.</p>
<p>Home automation can also go beyond controlling your HVAC system by allowing you to do everything from closing your curtains and blinds at the touch of a button to programming a series of events to occur when you press a button, such as dimming the lights, closing the curtains, and adjusting your sound system when you are about to start watching a movie.</p>
<p><strong>They Are Often Built with High-End Materials</strong></p>
<p>Another reason to consider purchasing a luxury home that they are often built with high-end materials. In many cases, this can result in you having a home that is quite a bit more durable than the average home on the market. In addition, having these high-end materials can also result in such benefits as better insulating properties so that you can keep your home at a more desirable temperature much more easily or better insulation against noise pollution so that you are not always exposed to the noise produced by loud neighbors or any other sources of noise pollution that may exist in your area.</p>
<p><strong>They Can Provide Access to Beautiful Views</strong></p>
<p>Finally, you will want to consider purchasing a luxury home because luxury homes are often built and situated on lots that are quite desirable. In many cases, this can often result in the home having access to some very beautiful and scenic views. To make things even better, when a luxury home is built in a location that has access to these beautiful views, the builder will have often taken steps to maximize your access to those views, such as by situating your deck or balcony in an area where you have the most unobstructed view of the scenery.</p>
<p>Contact a real estate agent today in order to discuss the various benefits that purchasing a luxury home can provide and to begin searching for an appropriate luxury home for you and your family. You will want to consider purchasing a luxury home because they can incorporate home automation, are often built with high-end materials, and can provide access to beautiful views.</p>
3 Mistakes People Make When They Buy A Househttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/03/3-mistakes-people-make-when-they-buy-a-house/
Tue, 03 Oct 2017 10:30:21 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/03/3-mistakes-people-make-when-they-buy-a-house/<p>There are too many people who buy a house and later regret it. They may have rushed into the decision, or even been very careful about it, but in the end they were displeased. Then there are others who buy a house and love everything about it. What is the difference? Here are some reasons why people are displeased with their home.</p>
<p><strong>1. They Didn't Research The Neighborhood</strong></p>
<p>One of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a house is not researching the neighborhood well enough. Everyone has a neighborhood that is ideal for them. If you have a young family you probably want other children, and a safe, family oriented neighborhood. If you are a bachelor, you probably don't want a neighborhood where there are children running through the streets and making lots of noise. The important thing is to research the neighborhood <em>before</em> you buy. You should visit the potential <a href="http://www.bobwaldron.com/Pages/Westchester-CA-Real-Estate.aspx" target="_blank">single family home</a> on a Saturday, go to a school function, a church service, talk to other neighbors while they are outside, or even knock on their door. This may seem like overkill, but it will help you to be more pleased with your purchase.</p>
<p><strong>2. They Didn't Do Their Due Diligence</strong></p>
<p>Once you find the house that you love you might be tempted to skip the part where you do all the research about it. You love the house, so you want it to work. But during that time between the offer and closing, you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to learn about the house. Have an independent appraiser come, get an inspection, and don't overlook problems. Don't assume that a plumbing problem will be simple. Once you get into the house, <em>you</em> will be responsible for all of the upkeep, so it is important that you know what you are getting into.</p>
<p><strong>3. They Didn't Stick To Their Budget</strong></p>
<p>Lastly, people who don't stick to their budget and buy more house than what they thought they could afford rarely makes them happy. Being house poor and having all of your money go into keeping up a house can make you feel overstretched and frustrated. This is why it is better to choose the right budget for you before you look for a house, and stick to it. Don't become emotional about a house and don't assume that your financial situation will get better after you buy the house.</p>
Some Things You Should Know About Foreclosing On A New Househttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/03/some-things-you-should-know-about-foreclosing-on-a-new-house/
Tue, 03 Oct 2017 10:20:28 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/10/03/some-things-you-should-know-about-foreclosing-on-a-new-house/<p>If you're ready to <a href="http://www.collegestation4homes.com/Buyers/default.aspx" target="_blank">buy a house</a>, it can be very exciting. Many people do whatever they can to become homeowners as soon as possible. In the majority of cases this is a good idea, but in other cases the person makes some unfortunate choices that can end up hurting them in the long run. Here are some things you should know about buying a house.</p>
<p><strong>Why Do Some People Foreclose So Early On In Buying A House?</strong></p>
<p>It is understandable why some people foreclose on their house years into owning it. Perhaps they could easily afford it when they bought it, but then they lost a job, or their circumstances changed and then the house was too much for them and they weren't able to afford the payments anymore. The real concern is people who get into a house right away without being able to afford it from the get go. You might ask yourself how this happens. Every person has an individual budget. The bank or mortgage lenders only see what is on paper.</p>
<p>So you can show them you make a good income and they will allow you to borrow up to a certain amount of your income. That means you might get approved for a more expensive house than you thought you could. Just because you can get approved doesn't mean that you should buy a house that big. You know your budget and you know how much you want to pay each month in home payments. If you have other loans that you need to pay, expenses for children and family members, or you know that money needs to go elsewhere, then only buy a house that you can easily afford.</p>
<p>Additionally, some people fail to take into account how much it takes to keep up a house. So assume that you have $1300 a month to put toward your house. Don't get a mortgage at $1299 if you can afford $1300 for the entire house. This is because you have taxes, insurance, utility payments and so much more than goes into home ownership. Get a mortgage for less that you can afford so that the excess goes towards taking care of the house.</p>
<p><strong>What Happens If You Foreclose?</strong></p>
<p>If you foreclose on a house you may have to file bankruptcy, it can ruin your ability to get loans or buy a house in the near future, and put a serious stain on your financial record. It can be fixed, but it takes time and is stressful. That is why it is best to avoid if at all possible.&nbsp;</p>
Here's How To Avoid Mistakes When Buying A New Homehttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/27/heres-how-to-avoid-mistakes-when-buying-a-new-home/
Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:04:19 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/27/heres-how-to-avoid-mistakes-when-buying-a-new-home/<p><a href="http://www.provencetx.com/life-here/" target="_blank">Buying a new home</a> is considered one of the most stressful experiences. If you're in the market, check out these tips to avoid simple but common mistakes.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Make Saving a Priority</strong></p>
<p>There are so many expenses that come with purchasing a new home, it can be easy to forget about your savings. If you don't have emergency savings you could be putting yourself in a bad position come hurricane season or layoffs.</p>
<p>For example, say you have a personal emergency the year after you buy a home. If you put everything you have into the down payment on your new home, that can easily spell trouble. You might find yourself looking for credit products to cover these unexpected costs, but your credit load will already be high due to your recent mortgage. The bottom line is to make sure that you're not emptying your emergency fund in order to buy a home.</p>
<p><strong>Buy Newer Construction</strong></p>
<p>Although many love old school charm, older homes come with problems that often cost a fortune. New construction homes generally require less maintenance, saving you money.</p>
<p>Choosing a completely new or custom built home is the best way to avoid buying a home with a lot of maintenance issues. Check out real estate communities in your area with openings for new homes. If you choose to buy something that's a few years old, make sure to ask why the seller is moving out so soon. Unexpected maintenance or quality issues could be one reason, so get a thorough inspection and trust your gut.</p>
<p><strong>Get Multiple Opinions</strong></p>
<p>It's easy to fall in love with a house and overlook what would later seem to be glaring flaws. Having a good inspection is the first step towards identifying problems, but it also helps to bring trusted friends and family along to get their opinions before you make the big commitment.</p>
<p><strong>Focus on Expenses</strong></p>
<p>When you move into a new home, the first thing you want to do is decorate, however this is unwise. A new home comes with many expenses, some of them unexpected. Make sure that all of your expenses are covered before you start splurging.</p>
<p>All of these tips will help you avoid some of the worst mistakes with buying a new home. But in addition to these, choose a great real estate agent who will be honest with you and help you through the challenging decisions you're faced with as you shop for a new home.</p>
Make Sure You Find The Best Office For Your Needshttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/26/make-sure-you-find-the-best-office-for-your-needs/
Tue, 26 Sep 2017 15:30:17 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/26/make-sure-you-find-the-best-office-for-your-needs/<p>When you are looking for the right office space for your business, you want to first figure out whether you want to rent or buy. Once you have made this decision, then you obviously need to decide on a price you can afford in order to buy or that you can afford to pay in rent. Then, you can move on to all the other things you need to consider. This short guide will give you some helpful pointers on things to keep in mind while you are out looking at places with your <a href="http://baddourrealestate.com/" target="_blank">realtor</a>.</p>
<p><em>Make sure the office space is efficient</em> – You may find an office space that is being offered at a great price, but you'll need to consider other factors to determine whether or not it's really a good deal for you. If the space is a lot larger in size than what you actually need, then you will be paying a lot more than you would normally need to in order to heat and cool the space, as well as to furnish it and maintain it.</p>
<p><em>Verify the location works well for you </em>– You will have several factors to consider when it comes to choosing an office space that's in the best location for your needs. If you want street traffic, then you want to be right off of a main drag. If you are looking for quiet or you deal mostly with storing merchandise, then you may want a space more in an industrial park. If you are in retail sales and you want to make sure you are going to have a constant influx of new customers, then you may consider a location in a shopping mall. You need to make sure the parking lot that comes with your office will also meet the needs of your business, so you don't lose customers who get impatient looking for a place to park.</p>
<p><em>Make sure the space feels right for your business</em> – You may find a great space in the right location that's available for the right price. However, if it is an office that's intended for a completely different type of business, then these things will mean nothing to you. It can be easy to imagine yourself having the entire place gutted and rebuilt for your purposes, but you may find that this only gets you in over your head physically, emotionally and even financially.</p>
How To Analyze Real Estate Listings When Trying To Find A House To Buyhttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/21/how-to-analyze-real-estate-listings-when-trying-to-find-a-house-to-buy/
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:27:39 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/21/how-to-analyze-real-estate-listings-when-trying-to-find-a-house-to-buy/<p>The Internet is great for many reasons, but it can be extremely helpful for people who are ready to buy a house. With the Internet, you can scroll through <a href="http://www.susanli.com/" target="_blank">real estate listings</a> to help you understand the price of homes, what types of homes are available, and the features these homes offer. If you want to make the most of these listings, here are some tips to help you analyze them as you begin shopping for a house to buy.</p>
<p><strong>Search Through the MLS</strong></p>
<p>There are several <a href="https://www.realtor.com/" rel="nofollow">websites</a> that offer the MLS database, which is a huge compilation of homes for sale through real estate agencies. Through this, you can narrow down your search by using filters. Here are some of the filter you can apply:</p>
<ul>
<li>Location – One of the first things you will want to filter by is location, and you can narrow this down to the town or zip code.</li>
<li>Price – Most people shop for homes based on price, and the filters allow you to input minimum and maximum prices.</li>
<li>Number of bedrooms and bathrooms – You can also filter through homes by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.</li>
<li>Basement – If you want a basement or do not want a basement, it's often possible to filter this too.</li>
</ul>
<p>These are some of the main things you may want to filter in order to find homes that suit your needs and budget.</p>
<p><strong>View the Pictures </strong></p>
<p>The next thing you can do as you search for homes to view is look at the pictures on the listings. Almost every home listed for sale will include pictures. There will likely be pictures of the outside of the house, including the back yard, and pictures of the inside of the home.</p>
<p>By looking at the pictures, you can get a good idea about the condition of the inside of the home. You can see if the home was maintained and if it has a modern kitchen and bathrooms. You may also be able to get an idea about the sizes of the rooms. Most of the homes you see for sale will have someone living in them, which means the pictures will include furniture, and this can help you grasp how big the rooms are as you look through pictures.</p>
<p><strong>Read the Details </strong></p>
<p>You should also take time to read all the details about the homes you are interested in. This can help you filter out homes that do not really meet your needs, and it can help you gain even more interest in the homes that appear to meet your needs. Here are some of the details you should look for as you read the listings:</p>
<ul>
<li>HVAC system – The listings will tell you if the home has central air conditioning and what type of heating system and energy the home has.</li>
<li>Property taxes – Most listings also state the current rate for property taxes. This is good for budgeting purposes, and simply so that you know how much you would have to pay if you purchased a home.</li>
<li>Sales of the house – You can also find information about the sales on the house. For example, many listings will tell you the date in which the house last sold along with the price.</li>
<li>Features – A lot of listings also include the features the homes offer, and this is nice just to grasp a better idea of what the house has to offer.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are in the market to buy a house, a good place to start is looking at real estate listings. If you are ready to begin shopping for a house, contact a real estate agent for assistance.</p>
2 Tips For Getting Your Home Ready To Sellhttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/19/2-tips-for-getting-your-home-ready-to-sell/
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:22:31 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/19/2-tips-for-getting-your-home-ready-to-sell/<p>If you decide that it is time to <a href="http://www.betterpropertiesrealestate.net/" target="_blank">sell your home</a>, then there are likely a few things that you will need to do to prepare. A lot of time it is these things that make the selling process go smoother for you, or at the very least help you feel prepared for what is to come. There are a lot of great tips for getting ready to sell your home and this article will discuss 2 of these tips in more detail.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Look At Comps In The Area&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>When you hire a real estate agent to list and show your home for you, it is imperative that you have already formed your own opinions on some things. One such thing is what you feel your home is worth. It is important that this number doesn't just come for anywhere though because it needs to be realistic and supported by data. An excellent way to gauge the worth of your home is to look at comps in your area. By looking at other homes that are comparable to your home that are either for sale, or have recently sold, you get a good idea of what the going rate is. You can show these comps to your realtor when they ask you what you want to ask for your home, and from there the two of your can decide on a good price, Also keep in mind that your desire to sell, and the timeframe in which you need to sell, will also be important factors to consider when it comes to determining how much to list your home for.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Have It Appraised&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>A great way to ensure that things go smoothly once someone does place an offer on your home, is to have your home appraised beforehand. A lot of the time people will ask a certain price for their home only to realize that it doesn't appraise for that much. This means that the bank will likely not give out a loan for this amount because it is a higher risk for them. Rather than running into this issue, simply have the home appraised before you ever put it on the market. This allows you to be sure that your asking price is at least what your home appraises for, so that things won't get messy when someone does decide that they would like your home and puts in an offer.&nbsp;</p>
What Exactly Is A First-Time Home Buyer?http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/17/what-exactly-is-a-first-time-home-buyer/
Sun, 17 Sep 2017 13:22:13 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/17/what-exactly-is-a-first-time-home-buyer/<p>Individuals in search of a home are likely to notice that certain home shoppers are referred to as first-time home buyers. There is no universal definition of a first-time home buyer, so the term is used differently in various contexts. As a result, many prospective home buyers looking at <a href="http://www.chambersburgpahomes.com/" target="_blank">homes for sale</a>&nbsp;can learn whether they qualify in some respect as a first-time home buyer.</p>
<p>Because of the different definitions, some first-time home buyers have actually owned homes before. The term gained popularity a decade ago as part of the name of the first-time home buyer tax credit. The tax credit has long expired, but the concept of a first-time home buyer is still used by organizations that help facilitate the home-buying process.</p>
<p><strong>Mortgage loans</strong></p>
<p>The federal agencies that guarantee home mortgages generally do not promote loan options specifically targeted at first-time home borrowers. However, mortgage companies emphasize the aspects of various home loans that are likely to appeal to first-time home buyers. For example, the down payment requirement on a FHA-guaranteed loan is as low as <a href="https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/buying/loans" rel="nofollow">3.5 percent</a>.of the purchase price.</p>
<p><strong>Financial assistance</strong></p>
<p>Financial incentives specifically geared toward first-time home buyers are more likely to be found at the state and local level. The definition of a first-time home buyer usually includes the requirement that you have not owned a residence for a minimum number of years. The programs vary from <a href="http://www.hsh.com/finance/mortgage/home-buyer-programs.html" rel="nofollow">state to state</a>, but they typically provide incentives such as down payment assistance or a reduction in monthly payments.</p>
<p><strong>IRS tax concessions</strong></p>
<p>By definition, first-time home buyers usually have no proceeds available from the sale of a previous home. However, down payment funding may be obtained through a federal tax break. Individuals who meet the IRS definition of a first-time home buyer can withdraw up to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590b/ch01.html#en_US_2016_publink1000230922" rel="nofollow">$10,000</a> from an IRA without penalty.</p>
<p>The IRS considers you to be a first-time home buyer if you have not owned a main residence during the 2-year period preceding a home purchase. If you are married and your spouse also qualifies as a first-time home buyer, each of you can withdraw up to $10,000. Because of the exception, the normal 10 percent penalty on early IRA distributions does not apply.</p>
<p>Once you know to what extent you qualify as a first-time home buyer, you are better prepared to apply for a mortgage or submit a purchase offer. Contact a real estate specialist to learn more about the specific incentives available in your area for first-time home buyers.</p>
Don't Let Your Dream Of Owning A Waterfront Home Turn Into A Nightmare: 3 Things To Consider Before Buyinghttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/14/dont-let-your-dream-of-owning-a-waterfront-home-turn-into-a-nightmare-3-things-to-consider-before-buying/
Thu, 14 Sep 2017 12:15:33 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/14/dont-let-your-dream-of-owning-a-waterfront-home-turn-into-a-nightmare-3-things-to-consider-before-buying/<p>Many people dream of buying a <a href="http://www.judywahba.com/Pages/Gluckstadt.aspx" target="_blank">waterfront home</a>, but sometimes that dream turns into a water-logged nightmare when the buyer doesn't do their due diligence. Waterfront homes are subject to natural erosion, which means there are several important things to consider before investing in them. Here's what you need to know before investing in a waterfront home.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Bulkheads&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Most waterfront properties have what are called <a href="http://www.bayoucitylumber.com/top-10-reasons-waterfront-properties-consider-bulkheads/" rel="nofollow">bulkheads</a>, which are protective barriers that separate the property from the water. They are typically constructed of pressure treated wood, rocks, steel, or vinyl. Waterfront properties without bulkheads are more susceptible to erosion and flooding.</p>
<p>Therefore, if you find a waterfront property that you want to buy and it doesn't have a bulkhead, you'll need to consider the costs of installing one so your property will be protected. If there is a bulkhead on the property, it will need to be inspected to determine if it needs any repairs.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Water Damage&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Due to their close proximity to water, waterfront homes should be inspected to determine whether or not the home has had water damage in the past and if any repairs need to be made to the home. If damage is found, you can either ask the current homeowner to make the repairs before closing on the home or give a lower offer on the home. Keep in mind that if water damage is found, it may be a red flag of an ongoing problem.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of course, previous homeowners likely had repaired materials damaged by water. If so, you can still learn about a history of water damage if any of the previous owners had filed insurance claims in the most recent seven years by obtaining <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/clue-report.aspx" rel="nofollow">C.L.U.E.</a> reports from the&nbsp;Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. Doing this can help you determine what steps you will need to take to mitigate the risks of future flooding in the home.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Mildew &amp; Mold&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Waterfront homes are more susceptible to mildew and mold than landlocked homes due to the moisture in the air. You'll need to take additional <a href="http://coastalliving.pro/seller-tips/10-tips-to-prevent-mold-in-your-home/" rel="nofollow">preventive measures</a> to avoid mildew and mold growth if you purchase a waterfront home. If you don't, mildew and mold could affect your health and your finances.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If the home you are interested in does not have a whole-house <a href="http://www.hometuneup.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-installing-a-whole-house-dehumidifier/" rel="nofollow">dehumidifier</a>, ask an HVAC contractor to give you a quote on the installation of one. This system can be installed with a humidity monitor, which can automatically turn the dehumidifier on when the humidity reaches a specific level.&nbsp;</p>
Four Things To Look For In A Home You'll Be Renting Outhttp://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/12/four-things-to-look-for-in-a-home-youll-be-renting-out/
Tue, 12 Sep 2017 15:26:44 +0000http://ulysseshills.com/2017/09/12/four-things-to-look-for-in-a-home-youll-be-renting-out/<p>If you are looking to buy a single-family home or duplex that you'll be renting out to tenants, it is important to keep this purpose in mind as you peruse the <a href="http://www.deeevans.com/featured-searches/rockwall/" target="_blank">real estate for sale </a>in your area. A home that's well suited to be your live-in home is not necessarily the best one to be a rental -- and vice versa. Here are four characteristics to look for in a home you're buying just to rent out.</p>
<p><strong>Plenty of parking</strong></p>
<p>This is especially important if you're buying a duplex and will be renting out both sides. If there is just one driveway, the two tenants may struggle with parking. What does one tenant do when the other has nowhere else to park but behind them? At the very least, a home with multiple rental units should have a driveway that's wide enough for two cars to park side-by-side. A small parking lot-type area is even better. In a single-family home, a bigger driveway is always better too -- since you don't know if your renters will have multiple cars and people who drive.</p>
<p><strong>An updated roof</strong></p>
<p>You can get by with outdated cupboards and counters, and an older furnace may be just fine if it's in good working order. But you do not ever want to rent out a home with a questionable roof. Tenants probably won't be spending time in the attic, so they won't notice roof leaks immediately. By the time they're detected and addressed, you may have substantial water damage to repair. Make sure the home you buy to rent has a newer roof in good shape.</p>
<p><strong>Hard floors</strong></p>
<p>Carpeting is plush and enjoyable, but it's a bad choice when you have tenants. If one tenant has a dog that leaves fur and stains on the carpet, you'll have a hard time cleaning up the mess and making it suitable for the next tenant who may not have pet and certainly won't want hair around. Hard floors are just easier to keep clean and sanitary between renters.</p>
<p><strong>A good neighborhood</strong></p>
<p>If the home is located in a questionable neighborhood, "better" tenants (those with higher incomes and more stable jobs) may not want to live there. So, look for a home that's at least in a mediocre part of town. You'll then be renting to a clientele with more ability to pay, which means your chances of having someone skimp out on the rent will be smaller.</p>